Insect-Pests of Turmeric Dr. T. K. Jacob, Dr. C. M. Senthil Kumar and Dr. S. Devasahayam

Dr. T K Jacob Principal Scientist Agricultural Entomology ICAR -Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode E ‐mail: [email protected], [email protected] Mobile: 9447539967 Phone: 0490 ‐ 2413163

1. Shoot borer (Conogethes punctiferalis Guenee, Lepidoptera: Crambidae) The nature of damage by shoot borer to turmeric is similar to ginger. Up to 75% shoot damage and 26% yield loss is reported due to the bore in turmeric. Spraying Malathion (0.1%) or lamda-cyhalothrin (0.0125%) at 21 days intervals during July to October is found effective in control of the pest. Adopt spray schedule coinciding with the first symptoms of attack in the field.

2. Rhizome scale (Aspidiella hartii Signoret, Heteroptera: Diaspididae)

The rhizome scale severely infests stored turmeric rhizomes. As in the case of ginger, the insect suck sap from stored seed rhizomes of turmeric, making them unfit for planting. The control measures recommended for ginger scales can be adopted for management of the pest on turmeric.

3. Leaf roller (Udaspes folus Cram., Lepidoptera: Hesperidae)

The leaf roller is polyphagous and in addition to cultivated turmeric and ginger, it has also been recorded on Z. zerumbet, Cucuma angustifolia, C. amada, Elettaria cardamomum, www.krishiexpert.com | Feature article | August 2017 Page 1 of 2

Aframomum melegueta, Hedychium sp., wild lilies and few species of grasses. Spraying of chemicals found effective for the control of shoot bore such as malathion (0.1%) or lamda- cyhalothrin (0.0125%) is generally sufficient to manage the pest.

Other minor pests

The tingid bug Stephanitis typica and the turmeric thrips, Panchaetothrips indicus suck sap from the leaves. The severely infested leaves turn pale and gradually dry up. Spraying of dimethoate (0.06%) is found to be effective against the pests. The adults and grubs of Lema spp. are found to damage turmeric by scraping the chlorophyll content of the leaves, especially during monsoon season. The feeding marks are manifested as long parallel white patches. The chemical control measures adopted for control of shoot borer such as spraying of malathion (0.1%) is effective in suppressing the pest populations.

Authors

1. Dr. T K Jacob, Principal Scientist (Agricultural Entomology), ICAR -Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, E ‐mail: [email protected], [email protected], Mobile: 9447539967, Phone: 0490 ‐ 2413163. 2. Dr. Senthil Kumar C.M., Senior Scientist, (Agricultural Entomology), ICAR -Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, E ‐ mail: [email protected], [email protected], Mobile: 9496168555 3. Dr. S Devasahayam, Former Head, Division of Crop Protection, ICAR -Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode ======

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